By Josephine Kayaga
Veteran Ugandan musician David Sifayo, popularly known as Master Parrot, has died following a hit-and-run accident along the Northern Bypass in Masanafu, Kampala.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the accident occurred at around 7:30 p.m. on Monday when the singer was allegedly struck by an unidentified vehicle while walking along the road.Police officers responded to the scene and rushed Master Parrot to Mulago National Referral Hospital for emergency treatment. However, he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have launched investigations into the incident, with efforts underway to identify both the vehicle involved and the driver, who reportedly fled immediately after the crash.Owoyesigyire said police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to help track down the suspect and establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
News of Master Parrot’s death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s entertainment industry, prompting tributes from fellow musicians, fans, and friends.Among those who paid tribute was opposition leader and former Firebase Crew colleague , who described the late singer as a cheerful friend whose humour and laughter would be dearly missed.
The president of the , , also expressed his condolences, mourning the loss of a fellow musician.Family members said they initially struggled to believe the tragic news until police officers answered calls made to the singer’s phone and confirmed his death.
Following a postmortem examination at Mulago Hospital, Master Parrot’s body was transported to his home in Kiwatule, where relatives, friends, and supporters gathered to mourn.
His remains are expected to be taken to the for public viewing before burial in Kamengo along the Mpigi–Masaka Road.Master Parrot was a founding member of the renowned , which played a significant role in shaping Uganda’s urban music scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Throughout his career, he released several popular songs, including “Muliro,” “Mama Wabana,” “Oliwa,” “Kikili Kitya,” “Ekikompola,” “Nankya,” and “Mwana Muwala.” He also collaborated with on the song “Kawal.”In recent years, concerns had emerged about the singer’s wellbeing after videos showing him in distress circulated online.
Reports suggested he had been struggling with alcohol addiction, leading to calls from family members and fellow musicians for support and rehabilitation.
As investigations continue, Uganda’s music fraternity is remembering Master Parrot as a talented artist whose contribution helped shape the country’s modern urban music industry.